COMPLETE TEAM PERFORMANCE SEALED BY ONE PLAYER

Away trips to near-neighbours Spalding haven’t been the most enjoyable experiences for United over the last couple of seasons so the Whites contingent headed there knowing they’d have to be at their best.

In addition the Tulips were on a mini-run of success with two wins and a draw in their last three games.

Manager Sam Wilkinson was without midfielder Josh Nichol who was suspended but had drafted in Johnathan Williams from Frickley Athletic late on Friday as a replacement.

United were pleased to welcome back from injury Kallum Smith as one of the subs and last week’s hero Tom Garrick who scored that late equaliser against Stamford was on the bench too as he regained full fitness.

Playing in their green away strip United started well. The team had good balance and competed with a mix of strength and skill as they dominated the early stages.

The Whites took the lead early on when Lynton Karkach and Paul Grimes linked well and Rob Norris ghosted in at the far post to blast in a rebound. The same player doubled his side’s lead with a superb first-time finish from a deep Scott Matthews cross.

After the break Spalding applied a little more pressure but United’s superiority was still there for all to see. The back four dealt with every home attack and Sean Wright was outstanding in midfield. So too was Williams who had a superb debut. He was cool under pressure, won the loose ball many times, and used the ball well when in possession.

Late on sub Garrick drove the ball across the Spalding penalty area and there was Norris once more to complete an excellent hat-trick.

The closing stages saw the Whites in total control and the well deserved three points lifted them back up to second in the table.

United had been awarded the Evo Stik Club of the Month award for October which was a much deserved tribute to Sam Wilkinson’s leadership and his squad’s achievements. The award hadn’t been a curse though, as these things often are. Far from it in fact as United produced one of their best performances of the season.

Every player deserved consideration for the Man of the Match award but with three goals clearly cultured midfielder Rob Norris was the player who was to receive this accolade.

The Whites are at home next Saturday to third-placed Marske United and will quite rightly be full of confidence after good performances over the last few weeks and this convincing victory over their county neighbours.